The Indian subcontinent has had its share of earthquakes. From mild, to moderate and to devastating ones, Earthquakes happen every year in India. One of the reasons why this happens is because there is a tectonic shift of the Indian plate at a rate of forty seven millimeters a year. As per geologists, more than half the landmass of the Indian subcontinent is prone to Earthquakes.
Top ten earthquake prone cities in India
The following are the top ten cities where the probability of an Earthquake happening is more.
- Guwahati – Assam
- Srinagar – Jammu and Kashmir
- Delhi
- Mumbai – Maharashtra
- Chennai – Tamilnadu
- Pune – Maharashtra
- Kochi – Kerala
- Kolkata – West Bengal
- Thiruvananthapuram – Kerala
- Patna – Bihar
Seismic Zoning
The land mass of India has been converted into seismic zones. Each seismic zone has a defined level of intensity and frequency of earthquake occurrence. Geologists have estimated that more than 50% of India fall into Earthquake prone areas with varying levels of intensity and frequency. Out of this 11% of land in India is prone to very serious earthquakes with devastating results. This zone is called the high risk zone.
Zone 2
The regions in Zone 2 are less likely to be affected by earthquakes. These cities, towns, rural areas, and villages experience earthquakes very rarely.
Zone 3
This Zone has moderate risk. Some areas in the Western Himalayas, Kashmir, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands fall in Zone 3.
Zone 4
Also called the High Damage Risk Zone, Zone 4 is an area that has the highest possibilities of earthquakes of a large magnitude. Delhi falls in this zone. Southern parts of Kashmir also fall in Zone 4.
Zone 5
These regions in Zone 5 not only experience frequent earthquakes, but these earthquakes are devastating ones. The earthquakes that occur here have the highest intensity than recorded in other parts of the country. The entire state of Kashmir falls in this area. Western Himalayas are also classified as Zone 5. Some North-East Indian cities such as Guwahati fall in this area. The Rann of Kutch is classified as Zone 5.
Earthquake mitigation
The government of India has released information on Earthquake mitigation tips to civil contractors engaged in building structures for citizens. This applies to all citizens of the country no matter where they reside. Some of the salient features of this Earthquake mitigation plan are:
All civil contractors are required to have an Earthquake readiness plan.
Homeowners will need to consult professional and accredited architects and building contractors. There are various techniques to build sturdier homes. Some of the methods are to bolt bookcases. These bookcases are then attached to wall studs. During an earthquake, cupboards might fall down. Using strong latches to cupboards that binds them to the ground prevents this.
Every room should have a place where nothing will happen to a person who stands there in case of an Earthquake. This will be a place in the room where nothing will fall down on the person.
